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Puri
 Puri is the hallowed seat of the Hindu religious deities Lord Jagannath (the Lord of Universe), Subhadra and Balabhadra. One of the 4 dhams venerated by most Hindus, it is one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, which has withstood the vagaries of nature and changing times.Puri, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal is also a city of outdoors, of lovely beaches, golden sands and gentle sunshine, tempting enough to invite visitors, both Indian and foreign, throughout the year.
The sea in its various moods, now smoothly rolling, now huge breakers crashing down upon the shore, the sunrise as well as the sunset in all its natural splendour - is a memorable experience never to be forgotten. It is possibly one of the few religious places which provides the outdoor pleasures of sea and beaches along with religious piety of 'darshan', a sanctified experience of divine communion and hence draws crowds throughout the year.
Puri famous for its golden beaches is ideal for swimming and surfing.
Major Tourist Attractions in Puri
 The Jagannath Temple
The majestic temple of Jagannath is a major attraction for the tourists visiting Puri. The Jagannath Temple is one of the four most important Hindu pilgrimage sites or the Char Dham, alongwith Dwarka, Badrinath and Rameshwaram. This 65-meter high structure was built in 12th century and stands in the Nilgiri Hills. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built in the 14th and 15th century. The meals in temple are made out of the donated raw materials only. Non-Hindus cannot enter the Jagannatha temple. This is strictly enforced.
 Konark Sun Temple
Konark, the Temple Chariot of the Sun God (Black Pagoda) washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, can boast of the most exquisite specimen of Orissan craftsmanship - The Sun Temple where according to Rabindranath Tagor, 'the language of stone, defeats the language of man'. The Konark Sun Temple built on the Bay of Bengal in the 13th century A.D., today, lies almost 2 kms off the shore. The Black Pagoda to the European sailors, it captivates the spectator's imagination. Constructed by Raja Narasimhadeva it is an extant example of Indian devotion to the Sun - the God of all gods, the very source of life itself.
Gundicha Ghar
 The Gundicha temple is another important site to visit in Puri. This temple is said to be the home of Lord Krishna's aunt 'Gundicha'. A myth goes that the Lord stays here for 9 days during the Rath yatra in Puri. During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken in lavishly designed wooden chariot (Rath) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha Ghar. At the house, the aunt welcomes them by offering them the padoapitha (rice cakes).
Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank
The Indradyumna Tank, famous for being related to Lord Krishna, has a small shrine dedicated to King Indradyumna of Orissa. There is a temple of Child Krishna nearby too. It is one of the five sacred lakes of Puri and is situated on the north western part of the Gundicha temple.
 Chilika Lake
Asia's largest freshwater lake (spread in 1100 sq km area) is situated 50 kilometers from Puri. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colorful names such as 'honeymoon islands' and 'Breakfast island', Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and abundance of migratory birds in winter make it an ideal place for vacations.
Konark
Situated 35 km from Puri, Konark is home to the Sun Temple, also called the Black Pagoda. Konark is a must visit for its historical and architectural importance. The Konark beach is said to be one of the finest and most romantic beaches on the eastern coast.
Konark, the Temple Chariot of the Sun God (Black Pagoda) washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, can boast of the most exquisite specimen of Orissan craftsmanship - The Sun Temple where according to Rabindranath Tagor, 'the language of stone, defeats the language of man'. The Konark Sun Temple built on the Bay of Bengal in the 13th century A.D., today, lies almost 2 kms off the shore. The Black Pagoda to the European sailors, it captivates the spectator's imagination. Constructed by Raja Narasimhadeva it is an extant example of Indian devotion to the Sun - the God of all gods, the very source of life itself.
Getting there
Rail : Puri is well linked by superfast trains to metro cities like Calcutta.
Road : All weather motorable roads connect Puri to different parts of the State and that of neighbouring States. |
